Reviews

Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson

alesehunter's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

vrrrmm's review

adventurous challenging funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

chlobro123456789's review

inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

lizzacco's review

emotional lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

dominicangirl's review

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

jamiecoyne's review

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

iamsammie27's review against another edition

funny inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying

betweentheshelves's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Been meaning to read this since it came out last year, and I'm so glad that I finally did! The audiobook is very well done, complete with sound effects and everything. If that's your thing, I definitely recommend checking it out!

At its core, this is a sort of superhero story, with Ellie gaining powers and eventually learning how to lose them. But it's also a story about finding yourself, navigating changing friendships, and gaining the confidence to be who you are. Middle school is a rough time, made even rougher for Ellie by gaining superpowers and then accidentally getting famous.

I love Leah Johnson's YA books, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this one, too. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Ableism, and Death

Moderate: Toxic friendship, Animal death, and Grief

Minor: Abandonment, Homophobia, and Biphobia

laurens_bookstagram's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

lattelibrarian's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Ellie Engle is an absolutely loveable character. Her newfound powers are shocking--she's able to bring plants and animals back to life, but only if something else gives up its life. Her powers are also a thin veneer for her realizing that she's gay. After all, she has a crush on her best friend and has zero interest whatsoever in any of the boys her schoolmates like. This--and her secret powers--sets her apart from her friends, family, and classmates.

As she struggles to hide and learn about her powers, she also must deal with her mother's frustrations of managing her small amount of finances, her best friend changing, and making new friends. But this novel is so incredibly sweet and hopeful, and shows ways in which understanding can come from various life paths, generations, and families.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Homophobia